2001 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · FX51 AAC
2001 Vauxhall Astra (1.6L, petrol). First registered 24 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 85,999 miles. MOT valid until 25 Oct 2027. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ASTRA
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Lincoln
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 25 Oct 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 85,999 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
FX51 AAC Key Findings
- 18 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/10/2026
- 85,999 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FX51 AAC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
18 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Vauxhall Astra (FX51 AAC) between September 2006 and October 2026.
The record contains 14 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 27 October 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (12 issues), Tyres (12 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 18 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)”; “Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)”; “Nearside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)”.
FX51 AAC Mileage History
- 06/09/200627,805 mi
- 04/09/200734,286 mi+6,481 mi
- 18/09/200833,980 mi-306 mi
- 02/09/200943,725 mi+9,745 mi
- 14/09/201046,749 mi+3,024 mi
- 14/09/201046,749 mi
- 16/08/201149,089 mi+2,340 mi
- 17/08/201149,089 mi
- 18/09/201250,497 mi+1,408 mi
- 18/09/201250,499 mi+2 mi
- 19/09/201351,563 mi+1,064 mi
- 19/09/201351,572 mi+9 mi
- 23/09/201452,209 mi+637 mi
- 13/10/201552,803 mi+594 mi
- 11/10/201652,855 mi+52 mi
- 25/10/202452,874 mi+19 mi
- 23/10/202566,301 mi+13,427 mi
- 27/10/202685,999 mi+19,698 mi
Average of roughly 2,890 miles per year across 18 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Vauxhall Astra G
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A rare, low-mileage example of an early 2000s Astra that has spent significant time dormant. While the mileage is exceptionally low, the history of corrosion and a long gap in MOT tests requires a thorough mechanical inspection.
Given the significant gap in MOT testing from 2016 to 2024, you must check for 'sitting' issues such as perished tyres, degraded seals, and battery health. Request evidence of any maintenance performed during the years the car was off the road, as a vehicle that sits for eight years often requires more than just a new MOT to be roadworthy.
Negotiate based on the age of the consumables. Check the service history for a recent cambelt and water pump change, as these are time-sensitive components regardless of the low mileage. Ensure the brakes have been fully overhauled, given the repeated failures and advisories regarding corroded brake pipes and hoses between 2010 and 2015.
The 1.6L petrol engine is a standard unit for this era, offering moderate fuel economy suitable for short-to-medium commutes. Being a 2001 model, it will fall into an older tax bracket, and insurance groups for the Astra are generally affordable, making it a low-cost entry point for a vehicle.
Maintenance costs should be typical for a budget hatchback, though the age of the vehicle means rubber components and exhaust systems are more likely to fail. Expect annual running costs to be relatively low, provided no major structural rust is present.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. The MOT history shows repeated failures and advisories for corroded brake pipes and hose ferrules (specifically in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014). Ensure these have been replaced with new lines rather than patched.
Inspect the suspension and chassis. The vehicle has a history of broken coil springs (2010 and 2013) and Macpherson strut movement (2012). Check for any signs of structural rust on the sills and floor pan, which is common for Vauxhalls of this vintage, especially those that have sat idle for long periods.
This blue 2001 Vauxhall Astra (1.6L Petrol) is a low-mileage survivor with just 66,301 miles on the clock. The MOT history reveals a period of inactivity between 2016 and 2024, which is common for cars of this age but can lead to perished rubber components. While it passed its most recent test in October 2025, its history is marked by recurring issues with brake pipe and hose corrosion.
The Astra of this era is generally regarded as a sturdy workhorse, though prone to rust in the brake lines and suspension components as seen in this specific vehicle's history.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (FX51 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as FX51AAC.
TOYOTA
YARIS
NISSAN
PICKUP
CAGIVA
V-RAPTOR
POLARIS
MAZDA
323
MAZDA
MX-5
MAZDA
MX-5
PEUGEOT
206
MAZDA
MX-5
FIAT
DUCATO
PEUGEOT
206
PEUGEOT
PARTNER
VAUXHALL ASTRA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Rear Axle Beam and Sill CorrosionSerious
Rust around the rear axle beam, spring seats, sills and floor edges is one of the biggest reasons Astra Gs disappear from the road.
- ECU and Wiring Water-Ingress FaultsModerate
Blocked scuttle drains and ageing connectors can upset the ECU and engine-bay wiring, causing poor running, non-starts or random warning lights.
- ABS Sensor and Module FaultsModerate
Corroded wheel-speed sensor wiring or ABS-module issues can leave the warning light on and turn a cheap hatch into an MOT headache.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.